Shreya Haresh Prajapati

AR2065

Aashray: Under the Herd’s Sky

Aashray: Under the Herd’s Sky symbolizes a shelter offering protection to both the Maldhari family and their cattle, shaped by the natural elements and rhythms of migration. It reflects a harmonious connection between the shelter, the land, and the open sky.  Designed for the Maldhari community of Gir Forest, this project reflects a way of life shaped by movement, climate, and deep bonds with cattle. The layout grows from the landscape—cattle shelters align with Acacia trees and native shrubs, using them as natural protection. Responding to the monsoon’s heavy rainfall, rubble masonry flooring and integrated water channels prevent dampness that can damage sheep wool. Human and animal shelters are arranged to create a shaded central courtyard around a tree—a shared space for rest, care, and gathering. Construction techniques balance mobility and tradition: a joinery-based metal frame system eliminates the need for welding, while wattle and daub infill honors vernacular practices. Dry Acacia sticks form protective walls for animals, and the interior retains familiar systems, like utensil storage, preserving cultural routines. Selected components of the monsoon shelter are dismantlable, allowing easy relocation during migration. The result is a space that moves, adapts, and lives with the community it serves.   

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A narrative drawing imagined from the perspective of a sheep living with a Maldhari family, capturing daily life, spatial experiences, and the bond between humans and animals within the seasonal monsoon settlement.

Case Study of Bhunga Settlements in Banni, Kutch: Exploring Spatial Adaptations and Vernacular Resilience

Thermocol model carved to study spatial volumes and observe the play of light within the formed cavities, offering insights into enclosure, openings, and illumination

Drawings illustrating the carved thermocol model, showcasing the spatial composition

Frame models of the carved thermocol model, illustrating the three-dimensional form and the way light interacts with the space, highlighting the depth and spatial qualities of the design.

Sketches from the Gir Forest site visit, capturing the essence of the Maldhari people's nests (nesses) and their living conditions. These sketches document the spatial arrangement, materials, and environmental context of the shelters, offering insight into the daily life of the community in the forest

The day-wise plan of the Maldhari people's settlement process, illustrating the gradual development of their cattle shelter. From Day 1, when the foundation is laid, to Day 10, when the shelter is complete, this plan showcases how the Maldhari people utilize local resources to build a sustainable and protective space for their cattle.

The final plan and section of the monsoon shelter in the Gir Forest illustrates the careful spatial arrangement of the Maldhari community’s dwelling, blending living areas, cattle enclosures, and a central courtyard, all tailored to offer shelter, practicality, and harmony with the natural environment.

The plan and section illustrate how the Maldhari family has settled in the farmlands, adapting to the terrain. It highlights the thoughtful organization of living spaces, cattle enclosures, and utility zones, utilizing available natural resources to meet daily needs while maintaining a connection to the land.

This final panel composition depicts the Maldhari community’s journey from the perspective of a sheep, capturing the evolution of shelter, spatial use, and movement. The artwork combines ink rendering and stamped techniques to enhance visual storytelling and convey the rhythm of daily life in the community.